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Warner Bros. Banking On DC Comics After Harry Potter

It looks like comic book fans have some stake in the Harry Potter franchise after all. Warner Bros. Entertainment President Alan Horn made a tiny little comment at ShoWest that's got people in full Montgomery Burns mode (Excellent!). With four DC Comics films in the rear view mirror and at least five on the way, the snippet reported by /Film would seem obvious, but means a whole lot more coming from Horn.

"As we ease out of Harry Potter, we hope to bring you the excitement of the DC [Comics] Library."

There you have it. Their little magician is all grown-up and it's time to show him the door. Frankly, I'm surprised they don't just come up with their own stories, considering WB is all out of books to adapt. Don't be surprised if it happens sooner or later.

Regardless, this is an exciting time as I've thoroughly enjoyed all four DC films by WB. Yes, even Superman Returns. It's no secret Christopher Nolan's Batman franchise has redefined the comic book movie culture and without him we may not have daily news to report. As for Watchmen, it wasn't a box office behemoth, but most who saw it thoroughly enjoyed it. So, let's dissect the DC movie slate a bit and see what is coming up and what may be on the distant horizon.

2010:

Jonah Hex- Opening June 18th, this film will probably catch people off guard. He isn't the most well-known character, but boy does it sound awesome. The synopsis reads "In the Wild West, a scarred bounty hunter (Josh Brolin) tracks a voodoo practitioner (John Malkovich) bent on liberating the South by raising an army of the undead."

2011:

Green Lantern- Production began just this week and set photos are already out showing Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan. I've always been a big Ryan Reynolds fan, especially in the right role (Van Wilder, Waiting, Smokin' Aces, marrying Scarlett Johansson). It was only a matter of time before he played a superhero (Blade 3 doesn't count- nothing super about that). Why else would he take his shirt off so much? This adaptation of Green Lantern has big names all over it and should be a huge draw next year.

In Development:

The Flash - Probably the most beloved character in DC Universe that has not graced the big screen, The Flash is a definite future project. Rumors of potential directors have surfaced, but it has all been a guessing game. Nobody really knows what Warner Bros. has in store for the character, but check out our in-depth look at the possibilities. With this latest director rumor circling, you can expect more Flash news coming up, at least this summer at the San Diego Comic-Con.

Batman 3 - Christopher Nolan has been circling this project like a hawk, waiting for the right time to strike. The man is notoriously picky with his words, and has yet to officially announce himself as the director. We can assume it will all work out, as he's got his brother penning a script. The core of creators that took the embarrassed superhero's reputation and generated the best adaptation of any comic character ever, may be waiting for the right time to reveal their progress: San Diego Comic-Con?

Superman: Man of Steel - The world is calling for another reboot of the franchise, only giving the latest one film to prove itself. I actually liked the direction Singer was going in, but I understand the gripes. With David Goyer writing the latest rendition, there is hope for a darker, meaner Superman. Not to mention Christopher Nolan's involvement. As long as they get away from Lex Luthor for once, the Man of Steel will have a chance to wow audiences and be something new.

Lobo - Some news surfaced a year ago about this sadistic character being put on film. It would sure make for one dark movie, but it's not a character that has won over many fans. Nothing has come of this, but considering the push now, there is a distinct possibility of further news.

Deadman - Guillermo del Toro came out and announced he would be spearheading this story in a fashion similar to Crow. Considering the story is about a trapeze artist who is murdered and embodies others as a ghost to exact revenge, it may get dark and there isn't much of a base audience, but that's WB's job, right?